Andhra scraps state Waqf board's earlier orders issued by YSR Congress regime

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The N Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government in Andhra Pradesh has withdrawn earlier orders issued for the state Waqf board by the previous YSR Congress regime and will constitute a new board soon.

The move came against protests by Muslim outfits and Opposition parties over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

In an order, the state government said the Waqf board, constituted by the YSR Congress government, had been non-functional since March 2023, and had no representation of scholars from Sunni and Shia communities and former parliamentarians. This was leading to stagnation in Waqf operations, the order said.

Complaints were filed against the election of SK Khaja as a board member, particularly concerning his eligibility as 'mutawalli' (a person who manages and administers a waqf). Also, the election of chairman has not been held due to various court cases.

Following this, the state government will constitute a new Waqf board soon.

The decision came at a time when Waqf boards across several states are facing allegations of encroachments and land claims, sparking a political controversy.